Even though it was just a preseason match, Saskatchewan’s 25-12 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Monday marked the beginning of a successful Corey Mace era.

While the Bombers decided to leave many of their players in Winnipeg, Mace, who was hired as the head coach of the Roughriders on November 30, 2023, deployed a number of starters in the first quarter. Mace had previously served as an assistant coach for the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts.

July 15, 2023, saw the Riders play their first game following the veteran quarterback Trevor Harris’ tibial plateau injury, a 33-31 loss to the Stampeders. Harris completed seven of nine passes for 123 yards during his two series against the Bombers. Shawn received his longest completion of 65 yards.

Chris Streveler, in his second stint with the Bombers, made the start at quarterback in place of Zach Collaros who didn’t make the trip to Regina. Like Harris, Streveler played Winnipeg’s first two series before giving way to Eric Barriere. Streveler was good on seven of eight pass attempts for 65 yards. He also showed his hasn’t lost his running ability, gaining 25 yards on three carries.

The Riders, coming off two consecutive 6-12 seasons, got touchdowns from tailback Frankie Hickson, on a one-yard run, and slotback Ajou Ajou, on a 38-yard reception. Fullback Thomas Bertrand-Hudon added a two-point convert on a one-yard run. Kicker Brett Lauther hit on field goals of 24, 38 and 41 yards. He also had two rouges on misses from 53 and 48 yards.